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Breakdown Cover

Breakdown cover could arguably be viewed as a necessity, whether you have a brand spanking new car, or one that’s more challenged in years.

Breakdown cover in its simplest form is a form of insurance which offers assistance via a mobile mechanic should you car fail at the roadside.

And due to the competitive nature of the business here in the U.K., there are quite a few dedicated companies that offer breakdown schemes, and also insurance companies which offer similar services.

You are really quite spoilt for choice and within the plans offered, there is a wide choice to the type and breadth of cover offered.

The thing you have to bear in mind is price, coverage (do they cover all parts of the U.K.) and can you get a plan suitable for you.

For example, price first. Breakdown recovery schemes can vary from a basic £25 a year to a whopping £275.

The basic plan is really what every driver should think about having. All cars have the potential to break down and if this should happen on a motorway, when towing is illegal, then you could be faced with a breakdown bill over ten times the cost of a basic insurance scheme. And cars have a tendency to break down at the most inconvenient time and place, when even finding an independent tow-truck might be a miracle.

So, basic schemes give you peace-of-mind 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and if they can’t fix your car at the road-side (nearly 80% can) then they will take it somewhere to be fixed.

Now, from the basic scheme, you aim upwards, playing the options game. For example, the basic plans don’t cover breakdown at home and stipulate that you have to be at least quarter of a mile from there before you can call them out. But, pass over a bit more cash, and you can get a plan which covers breakdowns at home; not a bad idea really.

The basic plans also take you car, should it be on its last legs, to the nearest garage. If you want a garage of your choice, then that’s extra. You can also pay for the luxury of having your car taken to the garage of your choice, and you and your passengers taken back home.

The premium plans also offer levels of personal insurance and legal cover, meaning that virtually whatever happens to you on the road, you have the comfort of knowing that you’re going to be okay. You can also cover you car, the driver and occupants for short and long holidays.

You can also get plans that allow for a number of holidays abroad within one year.

In short, there is something on offer for most people.

And one last point. Be aware that some schemes cover the driver and not the car, whilst others cover the car and not the driver. You need to choose the one that suits your needs. Having a scheme that covers you as a driver is great, but what happens if someone borrows your car and then breaks down and there is no cover for either? But then what happens if you have car cover and you’re driving someone else’s car?

Breakdown cover is all about picking the right options for you.